The Tampa Bay weekend kicks off with a diverse slate of performances that cater to every taste and age group. Families can enjoy Australian DJ Lenny Pearce’s “Toddler Rave” at the Mahaffey Theater Thursday night, where children’s songs are transformed into techno‑beat sing‑alongs amid inflatable ducks, a milk‑bottle castle and colorful costumed characters. Pearce told NPR the set stays at 90 decibels – loud enough for a rave feel but safe for young ears.
Legendary EDM at Jannus Live
Saturday night, Jannus Live welcomes British DJ‑producer Paul Oakenfold, a pioneering figure in techno, house and trance who many consider the “father” of electronic dance music. Opening the show is The Crystal Method’s Scott Kirkland. Oakenfold’s résumé includes performances at Glastonbury, Stonehenge and even the base camp of Mount Everest, plus remixes for U2, the Rolling Stones, Madonna and Snoop Dog. Doors open at 7 p.m.; tickets are available online.
More Music, Comedy and Theater Across the Bay
Music lovers have plenty of options. The Maryland rock band O.A.R. celebrates 30 years on the road at BayCare Sound, joined by singer‑songwriter Gavin DeGraw and Scottish artist KT Tunstall. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. At Benchmark International Arena, Italian pop‑opera trio Il Volo performs with orchestra Friday night, followed by a Doja Cat concert on Friday evening as part of her Ma Vie World Tour.
Rock fans can catch Jimmy Eat World Saturday at the Mid‑Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre, closing out the 2026 season. The show promises cool weather and classic hits; tickets are on sale now.
Theater and Comedy Highlights
Comedy fans should see Brad Williams at Ruth Eckerd Hall Friday at 7 p.m. The venue also hosts a live‑band screening of Jim Henson’s 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth on Friday night, with encouraged costume wear.
Reggae‑pop legends UB40 return to the Mahaffey Theater Friday for their 40th‑anniversary tour. While longtime frontman Ali Campbell is not part of this lineup, the band’s rhythm section remains intact.
For a quirky night out, the Capitol Theatre presents Here Come the Mummies Saturday – a funk band dressed as Egyptian mummies.
Family‑Friendly Festivals and Performances
Sunday’s Reggae Sound Splash Fest at BayCare Sound (4 p.m.) features The Legendary Wailers, Third World, Inner Circle and the Ska‑Talites, offering a relaxed afternoon of classic reggae vibes.
The Tampa Bay Symphony presents “Wild Kingdom And Swan Dreams” Friday at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8 p.m.) and again Sunday at the St. Petersburg Coliseum (2:30 p.m.), featuring Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Overture, Sy Brandon’s composition “Animalia” and Leroy Anderson’s “The Waltzing Cat”.
Stage Productions
Off‑Central’s one‑woman show “Destroying David” opens tonight, starring Debbie Yones as an art restorer who discovers a dramatic twist while guiding a private viewing of Michelangelo’s David. The production runs through Nov. 22.
First United Methodist Church in Pinellas Park hosts “A Bodega Princess Remembers La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, 1998” – a personal memoir play by Iraisa Ann Reilly, directed by Jose Aviles.
FreeFall Theatre continues its run of “The Da Vinci Code” through Dec. 6, and the Straz Center presents “Peter and the Starcatcher” and Steve Martin’s comedy “Meteor Shower” through Nov. 22.
Upcoming Holiday Events
Looking ahead, Cirque du Soleil’s “’Twas the Night Before…” will grace the Straz Center Morsani Hall Nov. 18‑29, and the Tropicana Field transforms into a Christmas wonderland with “Enchant Christmas” from Dec. 20‑27.
For full ticket information and additional weekend events, visit the Catalyst’s calendar or click the links provided with each listing.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
